How do you go through buying a car off of Craigslist?

Question

Just wanted to know the step by step procedure to buying a USED car off of Craigslist. The important parts to me are getting the car fully inspected for any faults (where to get one done in Wilmington, North Carolina), the paperwork involved with the DMV. If there is or isn't tax that is charged while transferring vehicles. I know this is a very detail intensive question, but if anyone can just link me to a general way of buying a used car through a private party, particularly over Craigslist, that would be great! Thank you for all your help!

Answer 1

Just like if you buy a car from a Classified ad in your local paper.

you arrange a time with the seller to meet.

bring a mechanic friend with you, or have the seller bring the car to your mechanic (NOT HIS/HERS).

once you find the car to be kosher, then the seller will ask for your money; you pay, then he signs over the title and registration to you. you take these papers to the DMV and pay for registering the car in your name.

Make sure you have insurance before going to the DMV.

Answer 2

I have bought and sold  several cars there. I am in San Francisco Bay Area and I can talk from my experience in this area.

I basically start looking for cars being sold "by owner", so you can check that option at the top of the page. If the car gives that "connfidence feeling", that is, the car has the records, is being sold by the original owner, looks clean at the pictures.....based in the description, you can feel the car is from a trusworthy source.

Next step is to negociate the price. I always use The Kelly Blue Book "Trade in value"....that's the real price of cars. People normally ask for a high price, so the idea is trying to take down that number. This can be done at the  seler location, while inspecting visually the car. You'll see the person, the neighborhood and in general you will confirm that feeling of trust.

If both parties agree in a that price that you have in mind, you cn take the car for further inspections. A Carfax report would be helpful.

Make sure to check the original state ofthe car. Cars comming from upper states,normaly have a lot of rust underneath.

Answer 3

I personally always check for these when I ask the seller about the car:

1. Mileage

2. Engine problems

3. Transmission Problems

4. Clean title

Of course they can twist the truth a bit which make it vital to always take a look at the car in person and perhaps bring someone with you if you think you are not well versed enough about cars. Trust me, it is easy to get scammed :S

Answer 4

I never bought a car off of craigslist. Wilmington is a huge city. My sister went to uncw. I'm in Clinton. There should be alot of auto shops, mechanics to get the car checked out before you buy it. During the test drive tell the seller you want a mechanic to look it over. Since you are paying for it, the seller should not have a problem. Make sure you know if the car have a clean title not salvage. You can pay about $20 or so for a carfax (on their website).

If you are buying a car from a non dealer(private seller) they should not add any taxes or fees. If you are buying from a dealer they might add fees, tax and tags. You just have to ask.

Also check kbb.com for a look at what the price should be around.

Craigslist have alot of scammers so be careful. Call them, email and see the car. Never fall for the overseas c**p.

Any other questions contact your local dmv office. They will be glad to help you out.

Good luck